Overview

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill aims to ensure that the needs of present generations are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It establishes a framework for long-term planning and decision-making across UK public bodies, incorporating environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing into policy and spending decisions.

Description

This bill introduces several key measures. Firstly, it mandates a national conversation to define national wellbeing goals. Public bodies will then be required to set and publish wellbeing objectives aligned with these goals, along with future generations impact assessments for policy changes. Annual reports will track progress towards the goals.

Key Components:

• National Wellbeing Goals: A public consultation will determine these goals.
• Wellbeing Objectives for Public Bodies: All public bodies must set objectives to contribute to national wellbeing goals and report annually on their progress.
• Future Generations Impact Assessments: Public bodies must assess the long-term impact (at least 25 years) of proposed policy changes on future generations.
• Preventative Spending: Public bodies must report on preventative spending to address issues before they escalate.
• Futures and Forecasting Report: An annual report assessing long-term trends and risks to national wellbeing will be produced.
• Future Generations Commission: A new independent commission will monitor progress, conduct reviews, and make recommendations.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee on Future Generations: A new committee will scrutinize long-term policy and provide oversight.
• Ministers for Future Generations: A Minister in each government department will be tasked with promoting the future generations principle within their department.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it will likely lead to increased costs associated with the establishment and operation of the Future Generations Commission, the Joint Committee, the national conversation, and additional reporting requirements for public bodies.

Groups Affected

• Public Bodies: Will be required to adopt new procedures for setting objectives, conducting impact assessments, and reporting on progress. This will increase their administrative burden.
• Government Departments: Will need to integrate the future generations principle into policy making, potentially requiring shifts in resource allocation.
• The Public: Will be involved in setting national wellbeing goals through a public consultation.
• The Office for Budget Responsibility: Will have an extended remit to consider long-term risks and wellbeing.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General: Will have a role in examining the extent to which public bodies are meeting their wellbeing objectives.
• Future Generations Commission: Will have significant influence over public body actions and policy.
• Joint Committee on Future Generations: Will play a key role in scrutinizing policy and legislation.

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